Task Completed! CQJP hanging and ready to enjoy!

I cannot tell you how good it feels to have this project completed!  I kept reminding myself of my new word - FOCUS - and it did help me stay with this one project until completion.  I have it hanging on a decorative rod in our bedroom and it fits in nicely.  On a side note I might add that I don't plan on doing a full sized bedspread or any large project like this again soon.  I guess I like more 'instant' gratification.  Perhaps it is my short attention span resulting from my advancing age.  I also have a new found respect for quilters who create large beautiful pieces.  I have always admired them but now I add 'respect' to that.

If you want to see close-ups of the blocks they are on a separate tab, above.  Each block has a key representing 'keys to the past'.  The colors were determined by the monthly birthstone beginning with January Garnet top left and ending with December's Turquoise in the lower right.  Each block also has a feather, a bird, butterfly or dragonfly symbolic of  how time has flown by so quickly.  The homes are from paintings I did of houses, most that were part of my life as I was growing up, and the block next to each is of my family members that lived in the house.  The November block is of my kids and and their first home, along with my granddaughters (and grand dogs).  The last block is my husband and I from when we were little with our siblings (me with my brother on the left; he with his brother and sister on the right) and as we grew up and then along the bottom photos as we dated, with our family, and on our 40th anniversary with our grandchildren.  Center of the block is our wedding photo. 

Warm days will soon be a memory, at least until next summer, so I thought I would share a couple of my warm sunny day photos with you.  I had to laugh at this first one.  Our silly cat likes to lay in the sun but apparently needed a bit of a respite from the sun so she tried to crawl under the branches/leaves of my airplane plant (a/k/a spider plant).  It made me giggle.

I recently bought this gorgeous lace table cloth at an auction and decided to hang it on the clothes line to give it that fresh outdoor scent.  Love the lace and love the homeyness of sheets etc. hanging outdoors.  

Another accomplishment this summer was selling my mom's home for her.  She moved into an apartment, leaving her beautiful, well cared for home.  My oldest granddaughter, Lauren, used to spend days at this house with my mom and dad when she was little and asked if she could see the house one last time.  This is a photo in front of the house the night before possession was taken by the buyers.  Lauren (in the purple) and my mom to her right are about the same size now as one got bigger and the other is getting shorter.  It was bittersweet.  We all loved that house and the memories but knew it was a lot for mom to take care of plus she now is around other people in her senior apartments and seems to really enjoy her new lifestyle.  She has always been a caretaker and it is about time she could relax and enjoy herself and some free time. 

She still owns a farm and my DH keeps the area around the sheds mowed for her.  While he was mowing I decided to draw one of the sheds which is actually supported by a couple of tree trunks.  I think tearing it down will be an upcoming project.  It was a really nice day in the country that day and I enjoyed sitting undisturbed and drawing this old piece of memories.

I haven't decided for sure what my next UFO project is going to be, but I hope to get (re)started on something this week.

OMG it feels good to have that CQJP 2012 finally done and I'm thrilled it turned out decent!!!

Focus! Finishing Projects

My goodness this year is flying by!  At the beginning of each year I, like many of you, decide I am going to accomplish certain things, change some of my ways and enjoy many opportunities.  As I sit here today I realize it has been another 'oops' year.  I meant to finish this before I started that, I was going to (fill in the blank) take that class, get together with this old friend, spend more time...  Well, here it is the end of September and I find myself surrounded by more projects than I started with last January.  My inspirational word this year was "explore".  I have already chosen a new word for next year and my next year needs to start right now.  My new word is "focus".

Explore was actually a good choice for me.  In the photo above I explored more stitch combinations and also using complimentary colors for a project.  The heart was stitched and now I am looking into what to do with it.  I dug out some trims as shown.  I took the project to the fabric store also and found this purple denim that seemed to go color wise and also contrasted texturally.  I'm probably going to end up making a pillow.  What are your thoughts?

Above is a rack with jars that I purchased at a garage sale and cleaned up and painted.  I am trying different ideas for embellishing them.  I actually really like them used as a small photo display with just a touch of lace.  I also considering finding some cork stoppers for them rather than the wood lids they have now.  I can probably find another use for the lids later on.  See!  See how one project turns into more than one!

Remember my CQJP 2012?  I have been searching for the right lace to put between the blocks and finally ended up buying white lace and dyeing it.  It didn't turn out exactly the color I intended, but close enough I am putting this off no longer.

I am in the process of hand-stitching the lace in place.  I am stitching down the center of each row and will probably go back and tack the edges of each section after this.  I am working on it a little each day.  I have the backing and binding for the hanger already cut and ready to go as well as a rod to hang it on.  Focus Connie, focus!

Above are two necklaces I recently (almost) completed.  I am reinforcing the threads in the first one and need to purchase a clasp for the lower one in order to have them completed.

In the meantime, I have the tote, insulator, old brush and scrolls found in dad's tool shed and some lace pulling at me to make them pretty and functional again.  FOCUS!  Can you see why I've decided to start using next year's word now?  I admire anyone who can start and finish a project or two before moving on to the next.  Those people do exist don't they?  Please tell me it is possible.

December CQJP 2012 - Final Block and Wall Hanging

My December block is now completed!  This block is of my immediate family.  Starting at the top on the left is my brother and I.  On the top right is my DH and his sister and little brother.  The two photos directly below each are of us through the years.  In the center is our wedding photo.  Across the bottom from left to right is the two of us in high school when we dated, as a young family followed by a photo of our kids, and us on our 40th anniversary with our three granddaughters.  The December block is in the birthstone color of turquoise.  My birthday is in December and turquoise happens to be one of my very favorite colors.  It is amazing our entire lives can be summed up in just a few photos.  Granted I could have added more, but even at that it amazes me that so many years have passed.  It really does happen in a flash!

 

Sorry about the faded photo below.  This just shows how I began this block by laying out the photos I wanted to include.  It was kind of hard to narrow it down to just a few, but the blocks are only 8 1/2".

 

 

Below is my presentation for my "Keys to the Past" series of blocks.  You should be able to click on the photo to enlarge it.  I also have the individual blocks shown if you click on the tab near the top of this blog.  It has been a very positive experience for me and the format has really kept me on track and accountable for completing each block in a timely manner.  Many thanks to Kathy and the others for making this happen!  It has also been so inspiring to see the beautiful blocks submitted by so many talented stitchers.  Currently I have three links on my sidebar...(1) CQJP 2012 where you can go to see all of the works submitted this year; (2) a CQJP 2013 with information on how you can participate in next years journal project; and (3) another CQJP 2013 where you can follow along and view all the new blocks which will begin appearing within a few weeks.

 

I have begun turning this into a wall hanging.  As you can see below I have the sashing and blocks stitched together and the border sewn on.  This is my first quilt ever, so I am taking it slowly and doing a lot of basting.  I still have a few things I want to do before adding the backing and the rod pocket at the top for a dowel, but at least I can feel like I've accomplished something this year! 

 

 Any tips on what to do next?  Does the batting get attached to the back of this and then the backing?  When does the rod pocket get added? 

 

 

My next project to work on finishing up is my BJP 2012 banner.  That will be another learning experience!  My TAST project is luckily a finished tag each month.  I do still need to buy some rings to bundle them into relative groups.  I am so anxious to finish up all these things and clean the sewing room so I can have a fresh start for CQJP 2013. 

November CQJP - Introducing My Kids

My November block is finished.  I have featured my children and grandchildren.  The birthstone for November is Topaz.  I'm sure you spotted the skeleton key representing my "keys to the past" series of blocks.

I began by printing off and laying out the images with some lace to separate them.

I dyed the lace to go with the month's colors.

The photos below just show some of the steps and close up details.

Again, I used images of the homes I painted in watercolor.  Both paintings were done for my senior thesis in 2002. 

The first is my daughter's first home.  This is a little pink cottage home that is surprisingly large on the inside even though it looks tiny from the street.  The multi-window room (behind the bush) is a sunroom with french doors off the dining room.  The woodwork and detail inside the home was all original to the house.  She has moved twice since, but this is where she was living when she was a college student, graduated college, and later married.  She and my SIL lived here for a brief time after they were married.

This is my son's first home.  He and his wife still live here.  My son is a woodworker and they have remodelled the inside.  It is spectacular and the kitchen is unbelievably beautiful.  Maybe I'll share photos one day.

Below is the closeup changed to sepia tones.

WC Painting and CQJP 2012 - August (Peridot) Block submitted in October

This month's block includes one of my oil paintings from a few years back along with the watercolor.  This is a painting of two of our horses, Taffy and Star.

This watercolor painting is of the house I grew up in.  We had peony bushes and tiger lilies and a huge lilac bush that were planted by my grandmother.

CQJP September Submission

Another block completed.  My block completed in September is inspired by the July birthstone which is Ruby.  Red is my mother's favorite color, so of course her block had to be red!  She and my dad, who passed away in 2008, are pictured in the upper left corner.  My dad grew up on the family farm which was left to him.  His parents, my grandparents are in the wedding photo on the right.  My grandfather died when I was just 4 years old.  I remember him a little and that he teased me a lot.  His brother lived across the street from their house and I was never sure which one was my grandfather because they were both there quite often.  Below that is a photo of my dad and his siblings.  His two sisters are still living, but his brother died when he was just 12 years old.  I can't imagine what that must have been like for the family.  Below my parents' wedding photo is a picture of them with my brother and I. 

CQJP 2012 - August Submission

Here is the block which was completed in June for my CQJP 2012 (see link on my sidebar).  This block represents the month of June which makes many people think of weddings.  In the upper right hand corner you will see a bit of bridal lace.  The birthstone is pearl which is reflected throughout the block in the buttons and beading.  I reconfigured a section of lace in the lower right corner to represent a church.  I also have a photo of the church in Treynor, Iowa which was such a huge part of my life.  My great grandfather who lived with his family in the home to the left was a charter member of this church, so it has been important for generations of my entire family in both happy and sad occasions...baptisms, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals. 

The rose is made of ivory ribbon which I dyed the colors of the Peace Rose.  It reminds me of the roses I used to find tucked between pages in old books that had belonged to my parents and grandparents.  Have you ever found any of those flowers hidden between the covers of books?  I always think about what memories the flower held, so special that the person wanted to preserve them forever.

Below is the painting I did of my great grandparents home.  Hopefully you can click on it to see a larger version.

CQJP2012 - MAY BLOCK (Block 7)

Here is another of my "Keys to the Past" blocks, this one completed in July (block 7) which is the May block.  Now is that confusing enough for you?  I won't even try to explain and hope that you will trust me on this ~ lol.  Actually, you can see them all together by either clicking on the CQJP 2012 tab near the top of this blog.  I also have a link to the CQJP on my sidebar so you can see a multitude of fabulous entries and one link on the sidebar that will take you to my page on the CQJP site.  The birthstone for May is Emerald, so I was wondering how I could pull of an all green block.  I decided to use a contrasting green that would stay visually in the back and let the emerald be the focus with a splash of creamy white.  Did it work? 

Another challenge with this block was that three generations lived in the home I will be showing you next month.  Lots of pictures to place.  I positioned the photos to give a 'flow' to the block, with the first family at the top.  When I was finally satisfied with the arrangement, I began to add the focal details.

The dragonfly was a lucky find.  It was on a small cloth jewelry bag I found at a garage sale for 25 cents a couple of years ago.  It carries the eye from the second generation over to the third generation.  I love the photo with the kids all lined up, don't you?

I added the antique brass buttons to lead you back up to the top.  The fabric in the upper right hand corner appears to be from an old wedding dress.  I added it to give a bit of a bridal feel to the block.  The 'couples' photos signify marriage.  The first generation couple is the happy couple on their 50th wedding anniversary.  The other two are wedding photos.  Along side each are their respective family photos.

As you can see, a lot of children were connected to the home.  The first generation alone had nine children, one being my grandfather.  Only two boys!  Can you imagine.  His father was probably wondering who on earth was going to help him with the farm and who is going to pay for all the weddings!

Next month (August) I will be sharing the block with their family home.  It will be a block for June which is Pearls and a traditionally favored month for weddings.  I hope you enjoyed meeting more of my family.

Now, go make some memories!

Block 6 - Hester Home

The block I stitched this month (June) is actually my April block.  The birthstone is Diamond, so I have happily added some sparkle (but not real diamonds).

This is its humble beginnings.  The center of the block is silver and white and I placed it in the 'diamond' angle and not square.  The image of the house is from a watercolor painting I did.  I had also used this same painting for a blue and white heart pillow I made for my mother one Christmas.  She grew up in this house.  My grandmother loved this home and also loved yellow roses.  She had parakeets that she talked to daily as well as many stray outdoor cats and a dog she cherished.

My first version (below) had a silver butterfly. but then I found the diamond/rhinestone quill broken brooch which I really admired and wanted to use.

The butterfly was a large earring and I'm sure I will find another use for it.  I just love the sparkle from the quill.

The April flower is the Daisy, so I added a few in the corner using silk ribbon for petals and French knots in the center using embroidery floss.

A rhinestone button was added along with a sweet key to a jewelry box.  This home is a jewel in my mind, so this key is appropriate.  You will remember I used the actual key to this house on last months block.

I stitched a diamond shape in the middle using silver metallic thread.  Sorry, no diamond ribbon.  The colors for the month of April ar pink and purple, so that helped decide the ribbon color and small lavender flowers were also added for color.

I have the original receipt for supplies purchased to build this home by my great grandfather.  I doubt he had any idea how much someone down the line in his family tree would value such a receipt. 

I have so many fond memories from times spent in this house and it will always have a special place in my heart.  Do you have memories from your childhood of a special place full of love?  This house still stands, but it has been modernized inside from what I understand.  You can't go back.

ANOTHER FAMILY CQ BLOCK COMPLETED (almost)

I've completed my 5th CQJP block.  At least I thought I had it completed.  Stay tuned, I'll explain shortly.

Immediately below is the naked block.  I tend to use the same basic 'stand-by' stitches for my base.

Here is the problem.  I was getting ready to post the image of the original key to the house when I noticed in the photo something that did not please me.  The photo with the key has the wrong last name!  I will need to replace that photo or at least a portion in order to correct the name.  Ugh!  I can't just leave it since it will (hopefully) be kept in the family and may totally confuse some future generation working on our genealogy.  Since I work in layers, some pieces are tacked over the photo and maneuvering over beads, keys, ribbons etc. can be frustrating.

Meet the Wilkinsons, not the Hesters: 

I guess I just need to accept it has to be done and do it ~ but I can't do that without whining first (giggle).  By the way, he (James Wilkinson) designed and built the home that you will see on the next block.

For now it will do.  I'm sure it won't be the only thing I need to fix before the year is over.

I also wanted to share my butterfly.  For some reason I have just really struggled with this.  What is now a blue butterfly was once a butterfly identical to the one I've left in the upper left corner of my block.

I tried different things with it to try to give it more substance, but it just cut into the flow of the block, so I ended up covering the lace butterfly completely with embroidery. 

Still not real happy with it (above and below) I have added a bit of a lace look to the edges of the wings, but then went back and finished the edges better.  The result is shown in the photos that follow.  The original lace still shows through slightly.

I am very please with the results now.  I had tried different colors thinking a color such as orange that would pop would be nice, but when I held different colors where the butterfly would be, nothing worked until I tried this almost periwinkle blue.  The butterfly shows up but doesn't steal the scene.

My final (other than the name change) step was to add my aqua ribbon with a little angel holding it in place.  I  am much happier with the addition of this ribbon.  It seemed to have been the needed element on the block.  

When I started this year long project the bead color of the month was going to be the common element and the color accents were going to be smaller in scale and more of an accent than center stage.  It has taken on a life of its own and evolved.  The sheer ribbons and embroidered lace have become unifying pieces on each block.  I have been developing my own stitched/embroidered lace which started because I could never find the size or shape or color of lace I wanted for a particular area.  The gifted lace makers who see this are probably either giggling or appalled at my ignorance of lace, but I am happy with it so far.

This block will represent the month of March with the birthstone of Aquamarine.  It feels good to finally be happy with it.  I was ready to scratch the entire block and start over.  If I weren't so lazy busy I probably would have.  Now on to April's diamond displaying the home these people lived their lives in.  I know why this is called a challenge by the way.

I love your comments and feedback, so please feel free to share your thoughts!